Coventry Telegraph Political Correspondent will chair a debate between yes to AV supporters Professor Dennis Leech from the University of Warwick’s Department of Economics and Labour Councillor Kevin Maton; and a panel of no to AV supporters which will include Coventry Conservative Councillor Tim Sawdon and Coventry Labour Councillor Phil Townshend

The event will take place at 12 midday in lecture theatre MS.02 in the University’s Mathematics Institute (Zeeman Building) on Tuesday 3rd May. The event is free and open to all.

University of Warwick researcher Professor Dennis Leech believes that moving to an Alternative Vote (AV) electoral system could lock extremist candidates out of office and ensure that the least popular politician has the least chance of winning. Read more about Prof Dennis Leech's views on the AV System

Also present will be Dr David Hugh-Jones a researcher in the University of Warwick’s Centre for Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy. His research disputes that of some analysts that are predicting that AV will deliver significant electoral benefits for the Liberal Democrats. His own analysis simulated the 2010 election under the Alternative Vote and found that the Liberal Democrats would have gained only 10 seats or less if AV had have been used.” Read more about Dr David Hugh-Jones views on AV

Warwick students are also organising a full week of events on AV including an event entitled "Big Debate: Alternative Vote Referendum" in the Students Union Atrium, from 6:30pm to 8pm on Tuesday 3 May 2011. Speakers for that event include Ken Ritchie (former Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society), Mark Wallace (political commentator and ex-campaigns director of the TaxPayers' Alliance) and Ciaran Norris (UK Parliamentary Outreach officer and Vice-Chair of the British Youth Council). More details are available at http://www.just-vote.org.uk